Featured Properties

Each month, FTB scours the market for the best starter homes for first time buyers, we hope you will enjoy our selection.

August/September 2017

Martello Lakes, KentFrom £199,995
These beautiful new homes sit in a pretty spot on the Kent coast, just 15 miles from the white cliffs of Dover. The properties available range from two bedroom apartments to four bedroom detached houses, all with outdoor space, and many with views out over lakes. The apartments feature open plan living/dining areas with French doors leading to a private terrace. The bedrooms are well sized, with the master also featuring an en suite. Fast travel into London is aided by speedy services from Ashford International (38 minutes), a 20-minute drive away. Barratt Homes | 0844 854 9936 | barratthomes.co.uk

Grace Gardens, ManchesterFrom £155,000
The latest phase of this popular development features 48 two, three and four bedroom homes complete with private off-road parking and landscaped gardens. The homes are bright, contemporary and ideal for family life. Transport links are excellent here, Manchester can be reached in under 10 minutes from nearby Belle Vue rail station, while buses run from Hyde Road. For those looking to explore, there are several parks nearby, as well as the stunning Peak District, which is accessible in minutes by car.Linden Homes | 0161 825 8188 | lindenhomes.co.uk

Merchants Walk, East LondonFrom £126,000**Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £360,000
There are 48 one, two and three bedroom apartments available through shared ownership at this award-winning development in trendy Bow. The spacious homes, which feature bright, contemporary interiors are finished to a high standard and also include private balconies. There is much to see and do in the local area, with Victoria Park, Mile End Park and miles of canal to explore, as well as Shoreditch, Hackney and Canary Wharf all a short bike ride away. Devons Road DLR can be reached in a matter of minutes by foot.Peabody | 020 7021 4842 | peabodysales.co.uk

Middleton Court, South West LondonFrom £460,000
There are just 18 apartments at Middleton Court, which lies a few moments from the heart of Wimbledon. The one and two bedroom homes, created by Bridgewood New Homes, have been finished to a high standard, with a focus on energy efficiency. All of the homes feature open plan living/dining areas that lead to a well-sized balcony or terrace. Wimbledon has a great deal to offer residents, with great shopping facilities, theatre and dining options, as well as plenty of green space and good access to central London.Hamptons | 020 3369 4382 | hamptons.co.uk

Royal Dock Gardens, East LondonFrom £83,750**Based on a 25% share of the full value of £335,000
Vibrant Custom House, an increasingly popular corner of the East End, is home to this stunning new collection of one and two bedroom apartments. Located a stone’s throw from Prince Regent DLR station, the homes are superbly located for getting into town, and to Docklands, which can be reached in just 13 minutes. Inside, the apartments are bright and spacious, with fitted kitchens, integrated appliances and under floor heating. All of the homes also feature a private balcony or terrace, perfect for taking in the sights.East Thames | 0300 303 7333 | east-thames.co.uk

June/July 2017

Tall Trees, BedfordshireFrom £299,995
This exciting new collection of family homes has just launched near the pretty town of Potton, Bedfordshire, and is already proving popular. With 31 homes released at this stage, there will be a total of 151 houses when the development is complete. The three and four bedroom houses have been designed in a variety of styles and feature spacious kitchen and separate living room downstairs, together with a w/c and storage room, and well-sized bedrooms on the top floor – with an en suite to the master. Residents also benefit from a private rear garden and patio area as well as off-road parking.Kier Living | 07860 866 792 | kierliving.co.uk

Stratford High Street, East LondonFrom £97,500* *Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £325,000
Since the roaring success of the 2012 Olympics in London, the East End town of Stratford has gone from strength to strength. These smart new homes offer a fantastic opportunity to put down roots in a rapidly developing area, with some world-class sporting facilities, excellent shopping (Westfield Stratford City) and speedy transport links (Jubilee and Central lines, DLR and Overground), all nearby. The one and two bedroom apartments available are bright and contemporary, with great views from the private balconies.Family Mosaic | 020 7089 1315 | familymosaicsales.co.uk

The Whitworths, Manchester£TBC
Just two miles east of Manchester city centre, the 34 new homes at the Whitworths are perfectly located for those looking to get the most out of the city. Openshaw has great transport connections, while the town itself has good local amenities and world-class sporting facilities. The two and three bedroom homes, 10 of which are available for purchase through shared ownership, feature bright and contemporary interiors, with sleek fitted kitchens and integrated appliances. Residents will also be allocated parking spaces.Plumlife | 0161 447 5050 | plumlife.co.uk

Broughton Gardens, CheshireFrom £71,750**Based on a 50% share of the full market value of £143,500
Recently named by Property Week as the best place to live in the UK outside of London, Crewe has it all; rolling countryside, community, amenities, transport links and good schools. Perfect for first time buyers and families alike, the homes are finished to a high standard, with money-saving eco features, stylish kitchens and bathrooms, spacious living/dining areas with separate lounge, downstairs w/c and a turfed rear garden. Direct services run to London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Manchester from nearby Crewe rail station.Guinness Homes | 0300 456 0522 | guinnesshomes.co.uk

Merchant Place, BedfordshireFrom £66,000**Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £165,000
Located on the north bank of the River Ouse, these stunning new homes enjoy a pretty location, just moments from Bedford town centre. The one and two bedroom apartments available through shared ownership feature high-quality design, spacious living areas and smart, fitted kitchens and bathrooms. Several regeneration projects in the area mark the arrival of some fabulous new facilities including a cinema, shops and restaurants. Getting around is easy, too, with direct services to London, Brighton and Nottingham from Bedford station.Guinness Homes | 0300 456 0522 | guinnesshomes.co.uk

Atelier, EssexFrom £329,995
Lovers of the countryside and all things quaint will adore these new homes in Harlow, a pretty area of west Essex, with some stunning sights on its doorstep. The homes available here range from one and two bedroom coach houses to two to four bedroom detached properties. The three bedroom homes are arranged over two floors, with a spacious kitchen/living area downstairs opening to a private rear garden, a downstairs w/c, with three bedrooms and a family bathroom upstairs. The development sits near some good road links, including the M11, M25 and A414, providing easy access to London, Cambridge and Hertfordshire.Countryside Properties | 01279 219 933 | countryside-properties.com

Pinnacle, HertfordshireFrom £274,995
The beautiful cathedral city of St Albans is the site of this exciting new collection of affordable homes, proving very popular with first time buyers. There are just 27 one, two and three bedroom apartments in total, and all feature bright and airy living areas, under-floor heating and high-quality fixtures and fittings. Residents are also allocated parking spaces and share a communal landscaped garden. Pinnacle is just half a mile from the town centre and rail station, where services to St Pancras arrive in under 20 minutes.Howarth Homes | 01895 233 999 | howarthhomes.co.uk

Barnes Village, Greater ManchesterFrom £265,000
A magnificent restored Grade II listed building sits at the centre of this impressive new development. Seven miles south of Manchester, Barnes Village consists of several apartments, which sit within the Old Hospital site, and over 100 beautiful town houses, which form the New Village area. All have been designed in keeping with the stunning central building and beautiful surroundings. From Cheadle, trains reach central Manchester in around 30 minutes, while the beautiful Peak District, for walking and cycling, is just a short drive away.Henley Homes | 020 7401 8777 | henley-homes.co.uk

Oakbrook, Milton KeynesFrom £327,500
With rural Newton Leys on the doorstep and Milton Keynes a 15-minute drive, Oakbrook offers the best of both worlds. The homes range from one and two bedroom apartments to two to five bedroom houses, in a range of styles to suit first time buyers and growing families alike. The three bedroom properties are arranged over three storeys, with living room and kitchen downstairs, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, a master bedroom with private bathroom at the top and driveway parking.Taylor Wimpey | 0208 236 3800 | taylorwimpey.co.uk

Woodlands View, East SussexFrom £240,000
Situated in a pretty semi-rural spot, and backing on to woods, these homes are ideal for those looking for country living, close to local amenities and the seaside town of Hastings. The homes range from two to four bedrooms, available in a variety of styles, and have been created in keeping with their beautiful surroundings. Brighton University has a campus in Hastings and the town has a vibrant arts and music scene, stunning coastline, a host of independent shops and cafes and an impressive history.Millwood Designer Homes | 01424 390 150 | millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

April/May 2017

Acton Gardens, London

Located between leafy Chiswick and bustling Ealing, this popular development is home to several hundred one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses, with 10 recently made available through shared ownership. The homes are beautiful inside and out, and feature bright open-plan living/dining areas with fitted kitchens and integrated appliance as well as a private balcony or terrace. Outside, the development will eventually include parks, squares and communal gardens. It’s perfect for commuters, too, with underground and Overground stations close by and the Crossrail due to arrive next year.

There are a range of home styles and sizes available at this luxe new development close to the centre of Bedford – recently voted the third hottest property market in the UK. The one bedroom apartments feature a well-proportioned living area, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and a huge bay window for optimum light. The houses are arranged over three floors, with two of the bedrooms featuring a walk-in wardrobe, plus a study on the top floor. Bedford rail station, in the centre of the thriving town, is just an 11-minute walk away.

Located in the pretty Berkshire village of Winnersh, yet close to the city of Reading, these new homes are ideal for combining city and country life. Perfect for families, the homes range from two bedroom semi-detached to three and four bedroom detached properties. The red-brick homes are beautifully designed and feature contemporary kitchens with French doors opening to private rear gardens. Residents also benefit from private parking. Nearby Winnersh station provides services to Wokingham in six minutes and Reading in just 12.

The zone one location of these properties make the development just perfect for urbanites looking to make the most of London’s sights. The one, two and three bedroom apartments form part of the Albany Place development and lie just over a mile from the Thames, Tower Bridge and the Southbank – for the Tate Modern and The Globe. Transport links are also excellent. Inside, the homes are finished to a high standard and feature a good range of appliances as well as wooden flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.

The leafy west London town of Uxbridge is home to these stunning new one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses. The one bedroom homes feature an open-plan living/dining area with smart, fitted kitchen, while the houses are arranged over three storeys – perfect for family life. St Andrew’s Park is perfectly located for commuters and those who love to be close to the city while having easy access to countryside pursuits. Uxbridge Tube station is just a 10-minute walk, for Piccadilly and Metropolitan line services into the city, which take just over 40 minutes.

Situated on the Greenwich Peninsula on the River Thames, the urban views from this substantial development are second to none. Iverna Quay forms part of Greenwich Millennium Village, an expansive community that enjoys easy access to new parks, an ecology centre, yacht club, the O2 and Canary Wharf. The homes on offer are well sized, with open-plan living areas, balconies from both the bedroom and living room and fitted wardrobes in the bedroom. Transport links are excellent: from nearby North Greenwich station, Jubilee Line services will whizz you into Bond Street in 17 minutes, or to Westfield Stratford in eight.

Popular Chiswick is the location for these plush new apartments, penthouses and townhouses, ranging from studio to four bedrooms. The homes here are finished to an incredibly high spec. As well as balconies and beautiful kitchens, the apartments feature fitted wardrobes, a utility cupboard and storage space to enable residents to make the most of their homes. Chiswick, which is renowned for its beautiful homes and café culture is just a few minutes’ walk from the development, along with a gym, cinema and supermarkets. Catch the District Line from nearby Chiswick Park station and you’ll be at London Victoria in just 20 minutes.

There are a range of two bedroom apartments and four bedroom houses available at this pretty new development in Trumpington, three miles south of Cambridge’s city centre. The two bedroom apartments feature bright open-plan layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, as well as a laundry room for added space. Residents will also enjoy access to beautifully landscaped gardens as well as cycle storage and private parking. Travel into the city centre is easy by car, public transport, or bike – an ever-popular transport method in the city.

The one, two and three bedroom apartments and houses available at this popular development are just perfect for modern living. They are beautifully designed, with bright living areas, private balconies and fitted kitchens. The development features an on-site gym and concierge service, while Chelmsford’s centre, with its wide range of high-street shops, cafes and restaurants is just over a 10-minute walk. What’s more, travel into London Liverpool Street takes just 39 minutes from nearby Chelmsford station. There are also some great parks and beautiful countryside on the doorstep, while the coast can be reached in under an hour.

Bellway | 01245 269208 | bellway.co.uk

February/March 2017

Gladstone Village

Located in a quiet corner of sprawling Gladstone Park, this new collection of two, three and four bedroom houses forms part of the wider regeneration of Cricklewood. Both Cricklewood – home to a lively high street and good shopping facilities – for pubs and bars – are with a short walk, while Jubilee Line services from Dollis Hill station take around 15 minutes to reach central London. Gladstone Park is a beautiful green space with a great cafe and gym and offers great views over the city from the summit.

Set within the former parkland of the Tudor palace of Beaulieu, the 22 homes here available through shared ownership form part of the wider development of a new neighbourhood in Chelmsford. Homes range from one bedroom apartments to two bedroom homes that are set to launch in late 2016. The development will eventually include new facilities and transport links, as well as new schools and landscaped parks. Chelmsford lies just 30 miles east of London and is a thriving city that’s just a short train journey to London and 40 minutes by car to the coast.

The new collection of homes, located in Peterborough range from three to five bedroom houses and are designed with modern living in mind. The three bedroom homes feature separate kitchen and living rooms, two bedrooms on the first floor, with the third bedroom located on the top floor – all with private bathrooms. Residents also benefit from private parking spaces or garages as well as good-sized gardens. Peterborough is perfectly located for getting around, with easy access to Cambridge, Essex and London.

Due to be completed in 2018, this collection of new homes offers first time buyers a great chance to buy in a buzzing part of the city at affordable prices. The Gallery is beautifully designed and interiors are bright and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living/dining areas. Camberwell is a lively town, just moments from popular Peckham and Brixton. It is also so easy to get into central London, with regular bus services running throughout the night. You can also catch the Northern Line from nearby Oval underground station.

Tucked away along the tranquil streets that run along the Regent’s Canal, this new collection of homes in Bethnal Green, a famous hub of the East End, offers a slice of exclusive London living. The location of these homes is great for getting around: cyclists have a direct route to Camden or further east via the canal, while Shoreditch and the City are very close by. The homes are beautifully designed and boast modern, luxurious features, with floor-to-ceiling windows, timber flooring, spacious balconies – many overlooking the canal.

The bustling corner of Camberwell is home to this new collection of 92 studio, one, two and three bedroom homes. The six-storey development sits just moments from the trendy restaurants and bars of the area as well as several supermarkets and buses that zoom into central London in under 30 minutes. Peckham is just a short walk, while Brixton is just a short bus journey away. Inside, the homes are beautifully designed to reflect their artistic surroundings. Features include wood-look flooring, beautiful tiled bathrooms and large private balconies.

The one and two bedroom apartments available at this new development sit right in the heart of Orpington, a bustling town with many great shops and amenities. The development forms part of wider regeneration plans which are set to see the town bloom even further, as its great community times continue to appeal to first time buyers. The homes are thoughtfully designed, with well-sized living/dining areas, en suite bathroom from the master bedroom and a well-sized balcony. All this just 18 minutes by train from London Bridge station.

Located just a mile from East Croydon station, this new development is in a great spot for commuters – trains to London terminals can take as little as 16 minutes. The homes range from one to three bedroom apartments to four bedroom family houses and offer quality fittings and fixtures throughout, including fitted appliances. There are plenty of amenities and parks in easy reach. For excellent shopping facilities, visit Croydon High Street, while foodies are in paradise at the Restaurant Quarter in South Croydon.

Right in the heart of the East End, Bow has bloomed in recent years and has become one of the most desirable places to live in the city. Transport links are great, with Central Line services running from Mile End to the West End in a matter of minutes, several DRL stations and speedy buses into Shoreditch and the City. The homes at St Paul’s Square offer stylish contemporary design, timber effect flooring and brushed steel featured throughout. Each home also benefits from a well-sized balcony or terrace.

Rembrandt House, once a printing house for glossy magazines including Vogue has been transformed into 43 one, two and three bedroom loft-style apartments – some with mezzanine levels. The homes’ interiors will be finished to a high spec, with some beautiful features, designed to reflect the classic exterior of the building. Watford is an up-and-coming town with a lot going on, but it is also very well connected to London. Nearby Watford and Watford Junction stations connect the town to the city via the Metropolitan Line and Overground service, in as little as 20 minutes.